Chemical functionalization of solid-state nanopores and nanopore arrays and applications thereof

Abstract

Chemical functionalization of solid-state nanopores and nanopore arrays and applications thereof. Nanopores are extremely sensitive single-molecule sensors. Recently, electron beams have been used to fabricate synthetic nanopores in thin solid-state membranes with sub-nanometer resolution. A new class of chemically modified nanopore sensors are provided with two approaches for monolayer coating of nanopores by: (1) self-assembly from solution, in which nanopores −10 nm diameter can be reproducibly coated, and (2) self-assembly under voltage-driven electrolyte flow, in which 5 nm nanopores may be coated. Applications of chemically modified nanopore are provided including: the detection of biopolymers such as DNA and RNA; immobilizing enzymes or other proteins for detection or for generating chemical gradients; and localized pH sensing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to each of the following applications, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference:[0002]U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 60 / 928,160, filed May 8, 2007, entitled Chemical Functionalization of Solid-State Nanopores and Nanopore Arrays and Applications Thereof;[0003]U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 60 / 928,260, filed May 8, 2007, entitled Chemical Functionalization of Solid-State Nanopores and Nanopore Arrays and Applications Thereof, and[0004]U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 60 / 928,158, filed May 8, 2007, entitled Chemical Functionalization of Solid-State Nanopores and Nanopore Arrays and Applications Thereof.[0005]This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. TBD, filed on date even herewith, entitled Chemical Functionalization of Solid-State Nanopores and Nanopore Arrays and Applications Thereof the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by ref...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to chemical functionalization of solid-state nanopores and nanopore arrays, and methods of making them. The invention provides a way to modify the surface of a nanopore with a chemical coating that can detect and respond to changes in the environment, such as ions or pH. The chemical coating can be applied using a variety of methods, including chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, and chemical solution immersion. The invention also provides a way to detect and characterize the chemical coating on the nanopore surface. The technical effects of the invention include improved sensitivity and accuracy of detecting changes in the nanopore, as well as better control over the chemical properties of the nanopore.

Problems solved by technology

When the nanopore is of molecular dimensions, passage of molecules causes interruptions in the open pore current level.

There are numerous challenges to develop effective nanopore detection techniques.

Control of nanopore surface characteristics presents an obstacle to nanopore use in detection applications.

Without refined control over the nanopore characteristics, nanopore detection apparatus cannot be constructed to be selectively sensitive to desired molecules or environmental alterations.

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